A young football coach who died in a motorway crash “would have loved” a match played in his memory, his best friend said.

More than 500 people are estimated to have been at Maidstone United’s Gallagher Stadium on Friday evening for the game in tribute to Reece Watson who was involved in a fatal collision on the M26, near Wrotham, in October.

Reece’s best friend Matthew Murray, 23, said he was pleased with how the match went.

He said: “It went really well. There was a great turnout.

“The weather held out, which was ideal. We thought it was going to rain but, luckily, we got no rain at all.

“Reece would have loved it, that is for sure. He would have loved the game being named after him.”

Mr Watson, 22, was described by his mum, Rebecca, as “the most amazing, loving, funny, caring and kind person you could ever have in your life”.

David Boaler, 42, from Sutton Valence, was travelling in the same van as Reece - both as passengers - when it collided with a lorry. He also tragically died at the scene.

In the region of £3,500 is thought to have been raised in honour of Mr Watson, from Ringlestone, with a raffle also being held. Prizes were donated by various businesses.

That money will go towards either a plaque or a bench for a memorial at the William Pitt Field, where Lenham Wanderers FC, whose Under-15s had been managed by Mr Watson, play.

The remaining money raised will go towards the air ambulance, which attended the scene of the crash.

Before the game, Mr Watson’s mum gave a speech where she gave special thanks to Mr Murray and Reece’s partner, Emily Butler, for the support they have given to the family. Mr Watson had been living with Ms Butler prior to his death.

A two-minute applause was also held before the action began.

The former postman’s younger brothers - Jake, 14 and twins Freddie and Bobby, both 11, also appeared as mascots before the match - alongside Mr Watson’s step-son, Isaac, who is five.

T-Shirts which said “Reece’s memorial match” were worn by players, coaches and supporters.

On the field, the match between a “Reece XI” and a “Watson XI” - both made up of Mr Watson’s friends and relatives - finished 7-4 to Reece’s XI.

They played against each other in the colours of West Ham United FC, the former Swadelands pupil's favourite team.

“Reece’s XI, at first, was formed of people Reece knew and he was mates with, and quite good players,” explained Mr Murray who was one of the coaches. Steve, Mr Watson's step-dad, was another of the coaches and was involved in the organisation of the game.

“But because so many people wanted to get involved, it ended up being two teams of Reece’s friends, really, including lots of people who play or used to play.

“So it was quite funny because you had some people playing against them who don’t really play football and they were getting tired after about five minutes.

“It was quite a comical game. It is more fun when you know the people on the pitch.”

Mr Murray said Mr Watson was never far from his thoughts while the game went on.

He said: “I think Reece would have loved it and would have wanted to be involved in it.”

Young footballers who Mr Watson had coached at Lenham were also at the match.

Shortly after the tragedy, Lenham Wanderers Football Club posted a tribute to Reece, saying they would never forget his contribution.

It added: “Reece will be remembered fondly as someone who loved the game, and gave his time and support so enthusiastically.

"It was a privilege to have him in our family.”

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